Crunchyroll has announced that it will stream the remastered X² – Double X OVA exclusively worldwide, excluding Japan, China, and South Korea, starting June 10 at 3:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. This marks the first time in history that the work has been officially released in digital form.
What Is X² – Double X?
X² – Double X is an approximately 28-minute OVA created through a collaboration between the manga artist group CLAMP and the legendary rock band X JAPAN. It combines four songs by YOSHIKI with illustrations from the manga X/1999: “Silent Jealousy,” “Kurenai,” “Endless Rain,” and “X.” The first three songs present CLAMP illustrations in slideshow form, while the final song, “X,” is animated in collaboration with MADHOUSE and directed by Rintaro (Galaxy Express 999, Metropolis), who would later direct the 1996 X film.
The OVA was released on VHS in 1993 and sold out immediately, later becoming a rare collector’s item. The name “Double X” comes from both the manga and the band sharing the name “X,” reflecting the desire to create a complete “Double X” experience together.
YOSHIKI Reflects After 33 Years
In a special interview, X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI said that at the time, collaborations between rock bands and the anime world were almost unheard of. What first drew attention was the fact that both sides shared the name “X,” and when he saw CLAMP’s artwork, he was immediately struck by its beauty, depth, and creativity.
“It felt like there was a natural connection between our two worlds.” — YOSHIKI
YOSHIKI explained that the song choices came about naturally because his music often had dramatic, cinematic qualities that matched the atmosphere and emotion of CLAMP’s visuals.
Looking back on the completed work, he said the collaboration felt like it had the potential to become something truly special. He also expressed gratitude to CLAMP for making it possible, especially when anime and manga had not yet achieved the global popularity they have today.
For this digital release, YOSHIKI noted that rights clearance took a long time because many parties were involved, including artists, labels, publishers, and an animation studio. He said he was glad fans around the world would finally be able to experience the work, and that it is exciting to see a new generation discover it.
Roots of Anime Music Videos and the Legacy of X/1999
X² – Double X is regarded as an origin point for anime music video-style OVAs. YOSHIKI sees the enduring global appeal of combining anime and music as coming from anime’s special ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level, while both music and anime can cross language barriers.
The project also led to the X film in 1996, which used X JAPAN’s “Forever Love” as its theme song. CLAMP’s X/1999 manga, which began in 1992, was also adapted into a 24-episode TV series in 2001–2002, though the manga itself has been on hiatus since 2003 and remains unfinished.
X JAPAN and YOSHIKI Today
X JAPAN played a major role in pioneering the visual-kei movement and has sold more than 30 million albums, singles, and videos combined. Around the time X² – Double X and the X film were released, the band also made history by selling out three consecutive nights at Tokyo Dome, becoming the first Japanese band to do so.
YOSHIKI later composed and performed theme songs for several major anime works, including Attack on Titan, Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary, and Buddha: The Great Departure.
For upcoming concerts, YOSHIKI will perform YOSHIKI CLASSICAL 2026 IN LOS ANGELES: WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL ‘SCARLET NIGHT’ & ‘VIOLET NIGHT’ on July 16 and 17 in Los Angeles. He also has a concert in Paris on July 10 at Japan Expo, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Source: ann_jp
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